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In the letter, also signed by 17 other Assembly members, Abinanti asks the governor to ensure that there was enough money in the state budget to cover the cost of the exemption in all of the state’s school districts.
“It is becoming clear that there will be a significant shift in tax burden to the non-veteran property taxpayers in many school districts – especially in small school districts,” said Abinanti in the letter. “Understandably, some districts may decline to offer the exemption, which defeats the state policy of providing these benefits.”
The exemption allows school districts across the state to offer a partial property tax exemption to veterans who served during certain periods.
While the exemption was signed into law in December 2013, it has created controversy in school districts and communities.
“It is unfair to those veterans residing in districts that do not offer the exemption,” added Abinanti.
He also sponsors legislation that allows districts to provide the exemption without shifting taxes to other taxpayers by having costs covered through state aid.
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